Malignant myoepithelioma arising from recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate

Malignant myoepithelioma is a rare salivary gland neoplasm that can arise either de novo or within a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma. We report a case of malignant myoepithelioma arising from a pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate. A 70-year-old woman presented in our department with a very large tumor of the soft palate. The patient had a history of a pleomorphic adenoma at the same location that was surgically removed 2 years ago. A second operation, with intraoral excision of the tumor was performed. Histological examination of the recurrence revealed a malignant spindle cell neoplasm with an infiltrative growth pattern and a high mitotic rate. Immunohistochemical investigation confirmed the diagnosis of a low-grade carcinoma of myoepithelial origin with free surgical margins. The patient remains free of disease for more than twelve months after the end of treatment.     

Extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck: a 10-year experience and review of the literature

Pleomorphic adenomas, or benign mixed tumors, make up 65% of all salivary gland tumors. They also can be found as solid tumors in other parts of the head and neck region, such as the auditory canal, the eyelids, and the orbital area. In this study, we investigated extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck region retrospectively at a tertiary care center. Between March 1998 and June 2009, 37 patients underwent primary surgery for extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck. The duration of symptoms, radiographic findings, operative procedures, and pathologic findings were documented. Of the 37 patients enrolled, 22 were male and 15 were female, with a median age of 57?years. Tumors were found in the soft palate, hard palate, nasopharynx, orbital area, trachea, buccal mucosa, cheek, nasal septum, upper lip, lower eyelid, and external auditory canal. Cellular variant of the pleomorphic adenoma was found in four patients, while the remaining patients presented with the classic variant. No myxoid subgroup was noted in our study. Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was observed only in one patient for whom radical surgery was performed. Twenty-eight patients (76%) had long-term follow-ups, with the average follow-up period being 4.5?years. Local recurrence was observed in three patients, and they underwent revision surgery during the follow-up period. Our results indicate that extra-major salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas are most commonly found in the soft palate. Wide excision was the treatment of choice, although its efficacy might be compromised with cosmetics and functional structures of the head and neck. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients is necessary.     

Familial occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common neoplasm found in the parotid gland. The familial occurrence of any salivary gland neoplasm is rare. There are 8 previous reports in the literature of familial occurrence of salivary gland tumors. Two of these report the occurrence of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in siblings; all 4 patients were adults. We report here an 11-year-old male who presented with a left parotid mass and underwent parotidectomy. The mass proved to be a pleomorphic adenoma. His sister presented 9 years later at the age of 15 years with a similar mass also in the left parotid area. She underwent superficial parotidectomy which revealed the mass to be a pleomorphic adenoma. We believe these are the youngest siblings reported to date in which familial pleomorphic adenoma has occurred.     

Pleomorphic adenoma in nasal cavity: immunohistochemical study of three cases

Intranasal pleomorphic adenoma is a rare neoplasm, and thus only one case report addressed immunohistochemical findings of this neoplasm. To define immunohistochemical features of intranasal pleomorphic adenoma, we studied three cases of the pleomorphic adenoma developed from the nasal septum. Subsequently, immunohistochemical reactivities of the tumor cells for various cytokeratins, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100 protein, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and vimentin were similar to those of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. The tumors examined in this study had different histological components, such as predominance of myxoid area, solid area, or tubuloductal structure, but immunoreactivity of both epithelial and myoepithelial tumor cells were the same in the tumors. Therefore, immunoreactivity of the tumor cells were the same among the intranasal pleomorphic adenoma having various histological components.     

Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma presenting as otitis media with effusion: Case report and literature review

Most tumors arising in the nasopharynx are malignant and frequently develop otitis media with effusion (OME). On the contrary, benign nasopharyngeal tumors are very rare, and pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign mixed tumor of the nasopharynx, is also rarely encountered. We herein report a case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma which initially presented as OME. This tumor completely blocked the orifice of the Eustachian tube but was removed by a combination of transnasal and transoral endoscopic resection. A defect in the mucous membrane was covered with polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue. Mucous membrane completely covered the exposed tubal cartilage without adhesion near the tubal orifice. OME and hearing loss completely subsided 3 months after the surgery. She was disease-free 2 years after the surgery. Use of polyglycolic acid sheet could be a feasible mesh for closure of surgical defect without scarring, and it also led to healing of OME.     

Nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in the adult

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland tumors account for less than 5% of all neoplasms in the head and neck, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most common type. These typically arise in the palate, but we report a rare case of nasopharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma in an adult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a case report and literature review. RESULTS: The patient presented with unilateral otalgia, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Nasal endoscopy revealed a pedunculated mass adjacent to the left torus tubarius and he was treated with an excisional biopsy. Histologic evaluation demonstrated pleomorphic adenoma. DISCUSSION: Pleomorphic adenomas seldom present as nasopharyngeal masses and have a nonspecific appearance on endoscopy. Microscopic examination has characteristic features to aid in an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is surgical and recurrence is unlikely.     

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the palatal minor salivary gland with extension into the nasopharynx

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma presenting in the nasopharynx is extremely rare. We present a case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma occupying the nasopharynx and the soft palate in a 51-year-old woman. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in the nasopharynx.     

Oncocytic carcinoma of the soft palate in childhood: A case report

Objective: to described an oncocytic carcinoma of the soft palate in childhood. Method: case report, review of the world literature, and discussion. Results: in this report, an uncommon presentation of oncocytic carcinoma in the soft palate which has not been described previously in childhood is described. Conclusion: oncocytic carcinomas are rare tumors that usually appear between 50 and 60 years of age. They are very rare in childhood, and are mainly found in parotid glands. A soft palate oncocytic carcinoma in childhood has not been described before.     

A case of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland metastasizing to a mediastinal lymph node

OBJECTIVE: Pleomorphic adenomas are the most common salivary gland tumors and are typically cured with complete surgical excision. There are rare reports, however, in which these histologically benign tumors have inexplicably metastasized to distant sites. We present a case of a patient who presented, 27 years after excision of a parotid pleomorphic adenoma, with a recurrence in the parotid bed and a mediastinal metastasis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 43-year-old woman presented with a mass in the right parotid bed 27 years after excision of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid. The patient's presentation, workup, and final diagnosis of benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma will be discussed, along with a pertinent review of the literature. RESULTS: A diagnosis of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma was made from a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the right parotid mass. On subsequent computed tomographic scan, chest images revealed an incidental left mediastinal mass, which also proved to be a pleomorphic adenoma on computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. The patient underwent a completion parotidectomy and sternotomy with excision of the mediastinal mass. Examination of the pathology specimens confirmed a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma in both the parotid bed and the mediastinum. No histologic characteristics of malignancy were seen in either specimen; therefore, a diagnosis of benign metastasizing mixed tumor was rendered. CONCLUSION: Benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma is a rare and controversial but distinct clinical entity. Although the definition of the term benign precludes metastatic disease, these tumors do not demonstrate any malignant features yet metastasize to distant sites. It remains to be determined whether these benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenomas are really low-grade salivary malignancies.     

Benign pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate metastasizing to the sphenoid sinus

A benign pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumor of the salivary glands. This tumor has the potential to metastasize to bone, the head and neck region, visceral organs and skin. Although there a few reports about a benign pleomorphic adenoma metastasizing to the maxillary sinus in the paranasal sinuses, there are no reports about a metastatic benign pleomorphic adenoma in the sphenoid sinus. We report here on a case of a benign pleomorphic adenoma of the soft palate that metastasized to the sphenoid sinus, and we briefly review the relevant clinical literature.     

Primary pleomorphic adenoma of the external ear canal. Report of a case and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Primary neoplasms of the external ear canal are rare, and 5% of these tumors are of glandular origin. Ceruminal glands are modified sweat glands of the skin of the external auditory meatus that may give rise to (a) benign tumors such as ceruminous adenoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and syringocystadenoma papilliferum, and (b) malignant tumors such as ceruminous adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. An alternative theory holds that pleomorphic adenomas may well arise from ectopic salivary tissue present in the external ear canal. These tumors are very rare and usually have a benign course. In this report, we describe an unusual case of pleomorphic adenoma of the external auditory canal associated with chronic infection of the middle ear. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old woman presented with exacerbation of left otalgia over a 6-month period. She had been affected with chronic otitis media and aural polyps for the last 13 years, for which she had received medical treatment only. A canal-filling aural polyp was noted on clinical examination. Subsequent biopsy and histologic examination revealed pleomorphic adenoma of the external ear canal, possibly with malignant elements. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no intracranial extension or any association with the adjacent parotid gland. The patient underwent modified radical mastoidectomy and complete resection of the tumor and the entire skin of the external auditory canal. Final histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the absence of malignancy, and no recurrence has been reported 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Pleomorphic adenoma is an extremely rare tumor arising from the ceruminal glands of the external ear canal. Nonspecific presentation and difficult histologic diagnosis characterize this benign neoplasm. Wide local excision is the mainstay of treatment.     

Synchronous parotid tumors of different histological types in association with metastasizing hypopharyngeal carcinoma

At operation for metastasizing carcinoma of the piriform sinus a patient was found to have two separate parotid tumors, one a pleomorphic adenoma and the other a papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (Warthin's tumor). These tumors presented as palpable masses on the same side as a lymph node involved with carcinoma. Synchronous parotid tumors of different types are rare; previous reports in the literature show that this combination of pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor is the most common. We have found no previous report of multiple parotid neoplasms in a patient with coexistent squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.     

Giant pleomorphic adenoma in accessory salivary gland

Giant pleomorphic adenoma is the most common neoplasm of salivary glands, specially of parotitis. Less frequently derives from minor salivary glands and, in the case, its size is small. We report one case of pleomorphic adenoma of great mass seated in a palatine salivary gland and avail the opportunity to review these sort of tumors.     

Salivary gland tumor of the hard palate

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic adenomas of the small salivary glands are very rare and usually arise from the hard palate. CASE REPORT: We present a female patient who was referred to our Department because of a bleeding enoral tumor, which persisted for 35 years. Histopathological examination after complete tumor excision showed a pleomorphic adenoma. CONCLUSION: Pleomorphic adenomas are an important differential diagnosis for tumors of the hard palatine. The therapy of choice is surgical excision.     

Carcinomas ex pleomorphic adenoma and malignant mixed tumors. Histomorphologic indexes

Clinical and pathologic differences exist between the several neoplasms encompassed by the term malignant mixed tumors of salivary glands. The majority of the neoplasms are carcinomas ex pleomorphic adenoma. True malignant mixed tumors (carcinosarcomas) are rare, and even more rare are the benign metastasizing mixed tumors. This study of 40 malignant mixed tumors indicates that two previously unreported variables, measured invasion in millimeters and histologic subclassifications of the malignant neoplasm, are valuable guides to prognosis and biologic behavior. All patients whose malignant neoplasm extended for more than 8 mm beyond residual capsule or benign residual tumor died of their disease. The extent of invasion also correlated with perineurial invasion, involvement of bone, and metastases to lymph nodes. Histologic subclassification points out that there is no prototypical carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and that high- and low-grade carcinomas can be found. Only one of the patients with low-grade (terminal duct) carcinomas died of his disease during follow-up periods extending to over 20 years.     

Carcinosarcoma of the submandibular gland: an autopsy case

Malignant mixed tumors of salivary glands are classified as three types: carcinoma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma, the most common; benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma; and carcinosarcoma (true malignant mixed tumor), which is very rare [Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. (1982) 91 342]. In carcinoma, both epithelial and soft tissue elements are malignant. In the context of previous reports, we discuss a case of carcinosarcoma of the submandibular gland including the results of postmortem examination.     

Intracapsular (in situ) carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma with unusual clinical and histological features

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma poses a challenge to diagnosis and treatment. Herein we describe an extremely unusual case, which presented initially as an intracapsular carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in the right parotid gland. The first recurrence, after an interval of 8 years, showed only recurrence of the benign component. Five years later, a myoepithelial carcinoma arose from the same site. No ductal carcinoma as seen in the initial intracapsular carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was identified. This case report elucidates the atypical clinical behaviour and interesting histological features encountered within this group of salivary neoplasm.     

Basal cell adenoma and lymphoepithelial cyst as recurrent tumors of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland

Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland is a rare benign tumor. Lymphoepithelial cyst of the parotid gland is also a rare benign tumor-like lesion. We report an elderly woman, who previously underwent a removal of pleomorphic adenoma, with multiple masses in the left parotid gland. Physical, MR and intra-operative examination suggested the masses as multiple recurrences of the previous pleomorphic adenoma. A total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation was performed. The histological examination revealed that the masses were two basal cell adenomas and one lymphoepithelial cyst. These rare tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent masses after a removal of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.     

Bilateral synchronous trabecular adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland

This report deals with a rare case of bilateral cancer of the parotid gland, with lymph node metastases. Histologically, the tumor was a trabecular adenocarcinoma. The first neoplasm was located in the right parotid gland and developed into a pleomorphic adenoma. Both cancers were treated with parotidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. From a comprehensive review of the literature, it appears that the present case is the sixth on record of bilateral parotid tumors. Pathogenetically, it is suggested that a common carcinogenic factor might have acted simultaneously and bilaterally on the parotid gland.     

Pleomorphic adenoma in ectopic salivary tissue in a child]

Benign tumors appearing in cervical ectopic salivary tissue are rare. Most of these tumors are pleomorphic adenomas and many occur in adults. We report two cases of pleomorphic adenoma developing in cervical ectopic salivary tissue in children and review the pathogenesis of salivary heterotopia and these benign tumors.